Where my passion for big data comes from:

I got interested early into cognitive systems and neuronal networks. Now the computation power is there to use them. Also, I like how mathematical methods together with technical expertise can shape the world.

What is the most innovative or cool application of big data you have seen?

In a narrow sense: Crop yield estimation by satellite remote sensing is an interesting application. In a wider sense: systems that gather, yield, and process huge amounts of personal data – think NSA/Google – that ultimately open up possible new ways to control and govern populations.

Tell us a bit about your life away from work:

Love to spend my time learning new things outside of my area – for instance online videos, books or meet ups. I am doing weight-lifting and computer gaming on a competitive level and watch every development in these areas with great interest (esports, self-improvement devices).

A piece of advice I live by:

Let people do their mistakes and THEN help them NOT the other way around.